By IANS,
Brussels : European Union’s (EU) Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton and Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel will travel to New Delhi Wednesday to take part in an informal meeting of WTO (World Trade Organisations) ministers hosted by the Indian government, the EuAsiaNews reported.
The meeting will seek to give a renewed push to the Doha Round of world trade talks, building on decisions taken by G20 leaders in London earlier this year, the European Commission said in a statement here Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of their three-day visit, Commissioner Ashton said: “A fair and satisfactory outcome to the Doha trade negotiations is important if we are to overcome the economic crisis.”
“I welcome the Indian government’s initiative to host this meeting, which presents the first opportunity for a large group of ministers to meet since the summer of 2008, and look forward to working together with India and other key WTO members to move ahead with the talks.”
Commissioner Fischer Boel said: “I am very pleased that efforts are being made to get the Doha Round talks moving again. ”
“The EU will continue its proactive role in looking for a fair and balanced outcome.”
Ashton will also hold a bilateral meeting Saturday with her Indian counterpart Minister Anand Sharma to discuss bilateral trade relations between the European Union and India.
Among other issues, Ashton and Sharma will review progress in bilateral negotiations for a comprehensive trade and investment agreement.
Commissioner Fischer Boel will hold talks with her counterpart Sharad Pawar Wednesday.